Dog Breed Village at Pet Expo Punchestown

In relation to last years Breed Village I wrote the following

“It was also great to see how all the dogs at the breed village reacted with children, as it is the younger generations where we can have the most affect. Adults have become prejudiced towards certain breeds or just dogs and pedigree dogs in general, and it is very difficult to try and change this persons mind once made up.

Children on the other hand are open to the whole experience, and it was fantastic to see children in push chairs right up to teenagers engaging with all the breeds on display, and coming away with huge smiles on their faces.”

I think the above picture sums that up well,as my niece Emma was quite terrified of most dogs before she came to the event, but by the time she left, could not wait to get her hands on any dog she came across. She can’t wait for school today to tell all her buddies about the great experience she had.

Having said that, before she left, we did explain to her that all the dogs at the Dog Breed Village were good dogs that had been properly socialised from an early age, and if she was to meet a dog on the street, always ask the owner before approaching or petting the dog, as not all dogs are as lucky as the fantastic examples of the breeds that were so giving of their love and affection over the week end.

I’d like to send out a massive thank you to all the Breed Village reps who committed both financially and gave your time freely in order to try and educate the paying members of the public about your wonderful breed, and responsible dog ownership in general.

Your Dogs will be very proud of you !

3 responses to “Dog Breed Village at Pet Expo Punchestown”

Hello Paul and Josephine,Thank you so much for all your hard work in the organising of the Pet Expo 2012.Could not agree more with what you have said regarding the children,young and old having a fantastic time meeting all the dogs and breeders represented.We feel that this truly is a unique experience in Ireland for people to come and meet breeders face to face and talk about a breed that may interest them.We were not there to sell puppies to people,but to promote our own breeds and explain the work that goes into each type of dog,the temperament,the excersise,the grooming,the suitability to there lifestyle both presently and in the future as they and there dogs mature.It was a very busy time and congratulations to everybody involved.Although today we are shattered,will do it all again next year.The breed village is such a tremendous opportunity for all dog breeders,clubs,associations etc.long may it continue to grow and flourish.

Hi Paul and Josephine, as you know I was part of the breed village, there to help people learn more about Shih Tzu’s which I show and love. It was great to have the chance to speak to people about there views on our breed and fears about grooming and the health of a Shih Tzu etc. I was there as were most not to sell puppies but to help those thinking about buying a Shih Tzu and those who already own one and having problems who did not know where to get advice. We do have a breed club but people who have bought out side our club felt they could not ask as us for help and advice so I was able to tell them we are here to help all and to never be afraid to contact us for help and advice. The Children, well what can I say, my new boy Brad at 10 months had a ball. For 2 days he jumped every time he saw a child come in, he wanted them to pet and play with him and he was a hit with them all. It was lovley to see and to show people that a show dog is first and foremost a family pet who plays and behaves just as any dog. I for one can’t wait until next year, well make that 2 Brad can’t wait either. Thank you so much for inviting us to a very special Expo. Majella

Hi
Just reading some of the questions asked here, I wonder if somebody would be able to help me. I have a doberman two years old lovely dog, but when we go out walking he gets very angry when he meets other dogs, and its hard to control him. I took him to obedience classes but he was very disruptive always barking and snapping at other dogs. I think some of the problem might be that dogs who are not on leads come up and try to bite him and as he is muzzled he cant defend himself.
If you have any information for me I would be grateful.

Thanks
Mary